Christmas by the Book

The Stowford Bookshop has been under the loving care of Nora and Simon Walden for 25 years. Stowford’s few remaining small businesses, including the bookshop, are struggling to stay afloat. Inspired by the approaching holidays, Nora and Simon solicit anonymous nominations of locals who might need a boost of Christmas spirit. They draw six names and randomly match each with a preselected book; it’s only the beginning of a magical transformation for the six individuals and soon for the entire town. Book nerds will relish the number of titles and authors referenced in Ryan’s novel; some of the references are explicit, while others are oblique hints that make a fun guessing game, but all have a good chance at making it onto readers’ wish lists. This close-knit town has a warm charm, with a nice touch of realism from the imperfect situations and people.